A Walk in the Park.

The other day I went to the park and saw my old friend Bertie. I hadn't seen him for ages. I'd gone to Central Park with Fred because I really wanted to go for a walk, and naturally I pulled him along. We were strolling casually down a secluded cobblestone path when I heard my name.
'Hey, Charlie!'
I looked over and saw to my great surprise, Bertie, standing not too far away from us, with Margherita (of course, he came along with her!). I couldn't control my excitement, and Fred was quite happy too. We decided to go to a nearby cafe to catch up on things.
While Fred and Margherita walked together, I chatted with Bertie. He was a war chap, with a hefty, well-built frame I could only dream of. But his leg had been injured amidst the fighting and he now walked with a permanent limp.
'How ya doing, old fellow?' I asked.
'Yeah, all right,' Bertie said rather half-heartedly.
'How's that lady you were seeing, from Upper East Side?'
Bertie laughed, 'That's old news buddy. Has it really been that long since I met you?'
'I suppose so, yes.'
'Well, that never really went ahead, Charlie. Right now, it's just me and Margherita. My health hasn't been treating me too good, though.'
'Oh, pooh. It'll pull through, you'll manage, you always do.'
Bertie looked at me, and some of the light in his eyes faded, 'I'm serious pal, the doc figures I've got a few months left.'
I stopped in my path, just looking at my old friend. I'd known him forever. Even the thought of him gone shook me. It wasn't possible.
'Come on, bud.'
I continued walking.

We reached the cafe soon enough, but I hadn't said a single word. It just wasn't fair. Bertie had survived too much. While Fred chose a table, Bertie came and sat next to me, 'Hey, it'll be all right, it always is. I'm old, pal, and I've had good times, good friends like you, and a good life in service.' 
He said no more, just comforting me with his presence.

*                                                                     *                                                                      *

Meanwhile, Fred and Margherita sipped on their coffees.
'I'm sad to hear about Bertie's health.'
'Yes, me too.'
'It's just amazing how close Bertie and Charlie are, isn't it, Marge?'
'It's pretty darn amazing all right, we've got ourselves some amazing dogs, Fred.'